A New Jersey Senate committee has approved a bill that would greatly expand security funding for nonprofits and houses of worship across the state.

The bill, S-3610, would strengthen the New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which helps organizations pay for security needs. The program currently helps cover security guards and protective equipment, but the bill would expand it to also cover security training, planning, and intelligence gathering.

The bill would also raise the amount organizations can receive. Grants for security personnel, training, or planning would increase from $10,000 to $50,000. Grants for protective equipment or intelligence work would increase from $50,000 to $150,000. Organizations would also be allowed to apply for more than one type of security funding in the same year.

In addition, the bill would require the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to request at least $10 million each year for the program, instead of the current $2 million minimum.

Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey Office praised the committee’s approval and urged lawmakers to pass the bill quickly.

“Nonprofit and religious institutions across New Jersey continue to face a heightened threat environment, making security funding more critical than ever,” said Shlomo Schorr, Director of Legislative Affairs for Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey Office.

“We commend Senator Beach and Minority Leader Bucco for advancing this critical legislation so nonprofit organizations and houses of worship can better address today’s security needs,” Schorr said. “We urge the full Legislature to approve the bill swiftly.”

The bill is sponsored by Senator James Beach and Senate Minority Leader Anthony Bucco. It was approved by the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee on Tuesday with amendments. If passed by the full Legislature and signed into law, it would take effect immediately.